I love the arts. In 2013, in Zambia, I bought a Kenyan artwork on canvas during the residential Training of Trainers () at the International Programme on Youth Entrepreneurship Training (IPYET), a Commonwealth initiative.
Upon arrival, I gave the canvas to someone to have it framed.
Fast forward 11 years later, last Saturday, I sat down in my sitting room, and my eyes went to another artwork from Ethiopia which I bought on canvas and framed. This has been on my wall for the past 5 years. As I gazed at it, I remembered my Kenyan canvas and wondered where it could be. Since 2013, I have yet to see it after it was commissioned for framing. I tried to figure out what it looked like for a few minutes, but time had taken away the memories; I could faintly see it in the distant past. I wondered how I could reach this man, but I needed help remembering his name and contact information. I felt lost on it and moved on after those few minutes of deep thought, wanting to have it someday if this man was still alive.
On Tuesday evening, I received a message in my Facebook Messenger that brought tears to my eyes.
Mr. Godwin said he was going through his belongings a few weeks ago and stumbled on the canvas. He wrote, “I have framed it now, and I wish to deliver it to you; if I get to see you in person, I will explain why it took so long. Please let me know where and when it will be convenient so I can meet you to deliver the painting”
I was awestruck. Am I dreaming? someone wake me up! My heart experienced a rush of pure joy and deep appreciation. What I thought I had lost has now been found.
Yesterday, Mr. Godwin delivered the framed Art to me at my office. Although he now uses a walking stick, I could still recognize him. I gave him a warm hug, and as we sat down to talk, he explained just as he had promised. All I could do was thank God for preserving his life. He is a good man.
This is my story; one I will cherish forever. I learned never to give up even when I do not have the answers.
